If you’re looking to add horsepower to your ride, one of the best bang-for-buck upgrades is a cold air intake (CAI). More airflow equals more power! But with so many options out there, it’s tough to choose.
Two of the biggest names in cold air intakes are K&N and Mopar. In this detailed comparison, we’ll look at the design, performance, sound, price, and other factors that set these brands apart. Read on to see which CAI comes out on top!
Feature | K&N | Mopar |
Brand | K&N | Mopar (by Dodge/Chrysler) |
Material | Aluminum tube, oiled cotton filter media | Plastic tube, dry filter media |
Performance Gains | +10-15 HP, +5-10 lb-ft torque | +5-10 HP, +5 lb-ft torque |
Sound | More aggressive intake noise | Minimal change in intake noise |
Cost | $$ | $$$ |
CARB Status | 50-state legal | 50-state legal |
Install Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
Before diving into the K&N Vs. Mopar matchup, let’s do a quick overview of what exactly cold air intakes do:
The end result is your engine can “breathe” better, improving horsepower, torque, throttle response, and gas mileage. Now let’s compare some key design differences between these two giants of the CAI world.
One major variation is the type of air filter used to remove debris and particles.
Enthusiasts overwhelmingly prefer the high-flow K&N filter that simply needs occasional cleaning.
Intake Tubing
Smooth, less restrictive intake tubes optimize CAI performance.
K&N definitely engineers their intakes for maximum high-flow performance.
The inlet where cool outside air enters also impacts airflow.
Mopar seems to focus more on ease of manufacturing than maximizing inlet performance.
Ease of installation is another key intake factor:
Both DIY friendly options get the job done quickly. K&N just provides more explicit factory instructions.
Build materials also impact durability and longevity.
K&N intake components simply hold up better over the long run.
But actual dyno results reveal the real performance differences:
Independent testing confirms K&N makes the most power, especially for the price.
This one comes down purely to personal taste in intake noise:
K&N announces itself loudly, while Mopar remains discreetly close to stock. Choose your flavor!
Given their reputation and results, K&N cold air intakes do cost more:
You’ll pay roughly $100 more for a K&N on average. But the performance justifies the premium.
CAIs provide excellent bang for buck. But you can maximize power further with:
An intake kicks off project car mods. But don’t stop there to unlock max performance!
Also watch the video about Mopar Cold Air Intakes!
Mopar claims 10-20 HP increase from their intakes depending on the vehicle. Independent dyno testing confirms similar gains, with 15 HP being a reasonable expectation for most applications.
Absolutely! Extensive dyno testing shows K&N cold air intakes produce 15-25 HP more compared to stock intakes on average. The noticeable bump comes from their unrestricted airflow design.
Mopar intakes provide the same core benefits as all cold air systems: better breathing for increased horsepower, torque, throttle response, and gas mileage. They just don’t maximize airflow and performance like K&N.
K&N is hands down the leader in CAI design and performance. AEM and Injen also make excellent high flow intakes worth considering. But K&N remains top dog for proven power gains across many vehicles.
Also Read: Is EZ Lynk Better Than H&S Mini Maxx?
When all is said and tested, K&N cold air intakes emerge as the clear winner in this battle. Their unmatched flow design, dyno-proven performance gains, and quality materials justify the higher cost for enthusiasts, especially with the reusable filter. Mopar is a cheaper alternative, but K&N intakes simply outclass them where it matters. For maximum CAI performance, go with K&N!
In summary, opt for a K&N if you want the absolute best power gains from a cold air intake. Mopar gets the job done for less cash but lags in dyno performance. Add a tune, exhaust, and other engine mods to really maximize your ride!
In the world of luxury home design, few materials can match the elegance and sophistication… Read More
As car enthusiasts, we understand the importance of maintaining the interior of our beloved rides.… Read More
Greetings, fellow string enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned violinist or a budding virtuoso, the choice… Read More